Ehime

Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen

Ehime offers a mix of history, healing, and adventure. Visit Matsuyama Castle and soak in Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs. Cycle across the scenic Shimanami Kaido route that connects islands over the Seto Inland Sea. With sweet mandarin oranges, local seafood, and friendly hospitality, Ehime is refreshingly authentic.

From Tokyo: 1h 30m

From Osaka: 1h

Ehime

Viewdory Selects

Special recommendations handpicked by our team.

Ehime Prefecture

Ehime Prefecture

Located in the northwestern part of Shikoku, Ehime Prefecture is a tourist destination blessed with the calm Seto Inland Sea and the majestic Shikoku Mountains, where rich nature and deep history breathe. Stotted with spots full of historical romance, it features Dogo Onsen, said to be Japan's oldest hot spring, and Matsuyama and Uwajima Castles, which convey their Edo-period appearance to this day. Additionally, the Shimanami Kaido, leading to Hiroshima Prefecture, serves as a world-class cycling mecca, attracting many travelers from Japan and abroad to enjoy rides alongside beautiful island views. The culinary charms are also endless, including specialty citrus...

Ehime
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Spring
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Matsuyama City

Matsuyama City, the prefectural capital of Ehime Prefecture, possesses the largest population in Shikoku, and is a lively tourism city where a rich history and culture continuing from ancient times comfortably merge with urban convenience. In the center stands the grand "Matsuyama Castle," one of the 12 Existing Original Tenshu, and at its foot spreads "Dogo Onsen," a famous ancient名湯 boasting 3,000 years of history. It is also famous as the stage for Natsume Soseki's novel "Botchan," with the retro "Botchan Train" running through the town creating a nostalgic landscape that adds to its charm. High-level gourmet spots where you...

Ehime
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Spring
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Imabari City

Located in the northeastern part of Ehime Prefecture, "Imabari City" is world-famous as the production land of "Imabari Towels," boasting the world's highest quality inものづくり craftsmanship, and is the gateway on the Shikoku side of the Shimanami Kaido. "Imabari Castle," built by Todo Takatora and known as one of Japan's top three water castles, stands as the town's symbol, conveying to this day the ocean romance of the past when seawater was drawn into the moat and military vessels passed through. It is also immensely popular among travelers as a sacred place for high-level local gourmet foods, such as "Imabari...

Ehime
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Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Uwajima City

Uwajima City, located in the southern part of Ehime Prefecture, is a charm-filled port town facing the Uwa Sea, where bullfighting, pearl cultivation, and a historic samurai culture deeply live. The town's symbol, "Uwajima Castle," is one of the "12 Existing Original Tenshu" retaining its appearance unchanged from the Edo period, and its sophisticated wooden architectural beauty is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Furthermore, it is a treasure trove of gastronomy represented by traditional "Uwajima Tai-meshi"—where fresh sea bream sashimi is entangled in special sauce and raw egg to be placed atop white rice—highly praised by international food...

Ehime
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Spring
Summer
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Winter

Ozu City

Ozu City, praised as the "Little Kyoto of Iyo," is an emotion-rich castle town where old history lives alongside the flow of the pristine Hijikawa River. "Ozu Castle," fully reconstructed in wood, stands proudly as the town's symbol, and its "Castle Stay" overnight experience has gathered worldwide attention for allowing guests to taste the luxury of being selected as a real castle lord. Additionally, the Meiji-period Sukiya-style masterpiece architecture "Garyu Sanso Villa" features a stunning garden utilizing natural scenery as a borrowed landscape and a hermitage floating over a cliff, allowing visitors to touch traditional aesthetics. It is a city...

Ehime
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Spring
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Winter

Saijo City

Saijo City, spreading at the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi, is a beautiful city where rich nature and faith breathe, known worldwide as the "Water Capital" where premier pure water from western Japan's highest peak self-spurts throughout the town. Wide groundwater spots termed "Uchinuki" are scattered, and walking through the city allows you to taste incredibly transparent, cold pure water for free at any time, deeply healing your heart with its pure waterscapes. It is also a climbing base for Mt. Ishizuchi, revered since ancient times as a sacred site of strict mountain faith, drawing adventure-loving international hikers. The city also...

Ehime
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Spring
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Uchiko Town

Located southwest of Matsuyama City, Uchiko Town is a mountain town filled with historical atmosphere that built vast wealth through the manufacturing of "wax (mokuro)" and "washi (Japanese paper)" from the Edo to Meiji periods. The "Yokaichi-Gokoku Townscape," stretching for about 600 meters, is designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and its gorgeous merchant mansions with yellow plaster earthen walls and heavy grand-walled structures convey former prosperity to this day. The Taisho-period theater "Uchikaza" remains active today, allowing visitors to feel the breath of Japanese traditional performing arts up close. With substantial experiences like...

Ehime
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Spring
Summer
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Kamijima Town

Kamijima Town, consisting of 25 islands floating in the northeastern part of the Seto Inland Sea, is a hideaway-like island area where time flows leisurely precisely because it is not connected by large bridges. Among them, the cycling road called "Yumeshima Kaido" features no traffic lights and very light traffic, gathering attention from international travelers as a premier local course where you can ride stress-free while listening to the calm waves of the Seto Inland Sea. Walking the islands reveals nostalgic, rustic fishing village landscapes, warm interactions with local people, and the rich scent of citrus fruits tickling your senses....

Ehime
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Nature
Spring
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Shikoku Karst

Shikoku Karst, spreading along the ridge at an altitude of about 1,000 to 1,400 meters on the border between Ehime and Kochi prefectures, is a spectacular landscape drive course in the sky counted among Japan's top three karsts. White limestone unusual rocks are scattered across the lush green vast grasslands like a flock of sheep, and the scene of grazed cattle leisurely eating grass provides an extraordinary panorama as if wandering into a European plateau. In particular, the refreshing feeling of driving on the "Path of the Sky" (Prefectural Road 383), a single path heading toward the unobstructed blue sky,...

Ehime
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Sacred Shikoku: Journey Along the 1,200-Year Pilgrimage Trail

Shikoku Pilgrimage

Shikoku Pilgrimage

Ryozenji Temple (No. 1)

Ryozenji Temple (No. 1)

Gokurakuji Temple (No. 2)

Gokurakuji Temple (No. 2)

Konsenji Temple (No. 3)

Konsenji Temple (No. 3)

Top Landmarks

Must-visit iconic spots that define Japan.

Dogo Onsen

Boasting a history of over 3,000 years and praised as Japan's oldest hot spring, "Dogo Onsen" is a globally famous premier名湯 representing Ehime Prefecture. The town's symbol, the "Dogo Onsen Honkan," is a heavy wooden three-story building constructed in the Meiji period and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Its intricately intertwined structures and retro wooden corridors radiate a nostalgic beauty, as if wandering into the world of the movie "Spirited Away." Strolling through the retro hot spring town wearing a yukata after a bath allows you to fully enjoy good old Japanese emotions. Surrounded by footbaths and...

Ehime
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Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle, built on Mt. Katsu towering in the center of Matsuyama City, is one of the "12 Existing Original Tenshu" with a main keep remaining from before the Edo period. Featuring a "linked-style tenshu" structure excellent in offensive and defensive functions, it boasts an overwhelming dignity as a real samurai castle with its strict gates and stone walls. You can easily ascend to the main enclosure at the summit via ropeway or lift, and the aerial walk during transit is also immensely popular among travelers. From the main keep, a 360-degree grand panorama stretches across Matsuyama City, the beautiful...

Ehime
Sightseeing
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Shimanami Kaido

Shimanami Kaido

The "Shimanami Kaido," connecting Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture and Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture with a total length of about 60 kilometers, is a world-class "cycling mecca" yearned for by cyclists globally, connecting beautiful islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea with seven unique giant bridges. The overwhelming feeling of refreshing exhilaration, as if riding a bicycle over the sea, is its greatest charm, attracting many travelers from Japan and abroad to enjoy cycling. The route is packed with observation decks boasting panoramic views of blue seas and green islands, gourmet spots to taste fresh seafood, and hidden famous...

Ehime
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Nature
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Shimonada Station

Shimonada Station

Shimonada Station on the JR Yosan Line, standing along the coast of Iyo City, is a world-famous unstaffed station termed one of the "stations closest to the sea in Japan," with a vast, spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea spreading right before the platform. Depicted as the stage for numerous movies, dramas, and anime, very many travelers and photographers from home and abroad gather seeking its nostalgic and beautiful scenery. The rustic wooden benches, the small platform with only a roof, and the unobstructed contrast of the blue sea and sky present a beauty just like a painting. Especially...

Ehime
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Kirozan Observation Park

Kirozan Observation Park

Kirozan Observation Park, located on Oshima Island, is a premier viewpoint boasting some of the finest spectacular scenery along the Shimanami Kaido at an altitude of 307 meters. The modern panoramic observation deck designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma boasts a globally rare architectural beauty, with most of the structure buried underground so as not to damage the natural landscape of the mountain itself. The view from here is breathtaking, offering a complete look at the world's first triple suspension bridge, the "Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge," the fierce tidal currents weaving between them, and a vast panorama of islands dotting the...

Ehime
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Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge

Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge

The "Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge," connecting Imabari City and Oshima Island in Ehime Prefecture, is a masterpiece of modern architecture known as the world's first "triple suspension bridge" spanning fierce tidal currents in the Seto Inland Sea. Boasting a grand scale with a total length of about 4.1 kilometers, it stands as a symbol decorating the highlight of the Shimanami Kaido. The greatest charm of this bridge is that roads dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists run completely parallel alongside automobiles. The experience of running high up atop the bridge while looking straight down at the emerald green shimmering sea and the...

Ehime
Sightseeing
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Ozu Castle

Ozu Castle, towering on the banks of the Hijikawa River in the center of Ozu City, is a symbol of Ozu conveying history from the Warring States period to the Edo period. Although a large part was dismantled during the Meiji period, it achieved Japan's first full-scale "restoration of a tenshu using wood" in 2004 based on old drawings and wooden models from the Edo period, receiving worldwide evaluation architecturally. Inside, the warmth of wood and highly advanced craftsman techniques live on, allowing you to feel the weight of real history firsthand. In particular, the "Castle Stay" experience limited to...

Ehime
Sightseeing
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Mt. Ishizuchi

Boasting an altitude of 1,982 meters, "Mt. Ishizuchi" is the highest peak in western Japan and one of Japan's "Seven Sacred Mountains," revered since ancient times as a mountain of strict ascetic faith. Utilizing the mountain ropeway, you can ascend to the mountainside all at once, allowing for full-scale mountain climbing from there. The biggest highlights are the four giant chain sections, starting with the "Trial Chain" hung on near-vertical precipices. The experience of climbing rock faces while feeling the thrill is immensely popular among adventure-loving international hikers. The summit provides an unobstructed, magnificent panorama of the Seto Inland Sea...

Ehime
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Aoshima Island

Aoshima Island, floating in the Iyo-nada Sea about 45 minutes via regular liner from Nagahama Port in Ozu City, is a world-famous "Cat Island," where over 100 cats live leisurely against a population of just a few islanders. Introduced by major international media and SNS as a "Cat Paradise," animal-loving travelers from worldwide visit seeking this miracle-like, healing scenery. Stepping onto the island, very many friendly cats gather at your feet, deeply healing your heart with their free-spirited appearances in the narrow paths and port of the rustic fishing village. There are no stores, accommodation facilities, or even vending machines...

Ehime
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Nature
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Oyamazumi Shrine

Oyamazumi Shrine

Oyamazumi Shrine, enshrined on Oomishima Island floating in the Seto Inland Sea along the Shimanami Kaido, is the grand head shrine of all mountain and ocean gods across more than 10,000 shrines nationwide, boasting a distinguished history of over 2,000 years. At the center of the grounds towers a grand sacred camphor tree praised as being 2,600 years old, wrapping visitors in divine spiritual aura and mystical silence the moment they step inside. Revered deeply as a god of warrior lords since ancient times, numerous heroes including Minamoto no Yoritomo and Toyotomi Hideyoshi prayed for victory here and dedicated their...

Ehime
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Authentic Local Experiences

Deep dive into authentic Japanese culture.

Uwajima Municipal Bullring

Uwajima Municipal Bullring

The "Uwajima Municipal Bullring," located at the summit of Mt. Maruyama in the center of Uwajima City, is the only dome-shaped bullring in Shikoku where you can experience traditional "bullfighting," an extremely rare event in Japan, close up. Unlike Spanish bullfighting, Uwajima's bullfighting does not feature a fight between a human and a bull; instead, giant male bulls weighing over 1 ton clash horns against each other to compete in pure strength and technique, a style termed "bull horn clashing." At the regular tournaments held four times a year (New Year, Spring, Summer, Autumn), the tremendous roar of giant bodies...

Ehime
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BBQ Castle

BBQ Castle, located in a spectacular scenic location overlooking the Seto Inland Sea in Imabari City, is an immensely popular amusement restaurant where history romance and stylish outdoor experiences merge, boasting a powerful impact with its unique castle-shaped exterior. While tasting a luxurious mood as if becoming a real castle lord, you can enjoy supreme barbecue on the open terrace seats overlooking the beautiful blue Seto Inland Sea and the magnificent bridge panorama of the Shimanami Kaido without obstruction. The experience of powerfully grilling Ehime's fresh seafood, juicy branded meats, and freshly harvested vegetables is top-tier entertainment for international tourists....

Ehime
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Local Stays

Charming inns and stays for your journey.

Kiya Ryokan

Kiya Ryokan in the historic port town of Uwajima City is a long-established inn founded in Meiji 44 (1911) where politician Tsuyoshi Inukai and many grand writers historically stayed, now boldly renovated by a world-renowned architect into a luxury designer's inn limited to one group per day. While leaving its prestigious historical designs intact, such as the heavy wooden framework of the building and retro lattice doors, the interior floors boldly adopt acrylic glass throughout, spreading an innovative space where light pierces from the 1st floor to the 2nd floor, or from under the floor to the ceiling, as if...

Ehime
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Matsuya Ryokan

Matsuya Ryokan, standing along the coastline overlooking the beautiful Uwa Sea in Akahama, Seiyo City, is a traditional long-established老舗 inn boasting a long history continuing from the Edo period, having historically welcomed many travelers and trading merchants warmly. The heavy wooden building conveys the emotions of a good old Japanese fisherman's town to this day, and stepping inside deeply heals your heart with a nostalgia as if returning to one's parents' home and warm hospitality. The greatest charm is the traditional regional cuisine luxuriously using fresh, firm seafood caught just moments ago in the Uwa Sea before your eyes. Retaining...

Ehime
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Atelier O-HUIS

Atelier O-HUIS, nestled within the idyllic rural landscape of Uwa Town, Seiyo City, is a beautiful museum and gallery space known to those in the know, where the works of the owner—a world-renowned sculptor and contemporary artist—comfortably intersect with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Within the stylish modern architecture utilizing the structures of heavy old storehouses and folk houses, unique dynamic sculptures and contemporary art inspired by the energy of great nature are exhibited, with the building itself radiating an artistic beauty. The silent location where the surrounding rugged yet beautiful Satoyama scenery becomes a borrowed landscape fascinates art fans from worldwide...

Ehime
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Local Treasures

Discover hidden gems loved by locals.

Tonaru District

Tonaru District

Tonaru District, sequestered in the deep mountains of Niihama City at an altitude of about 750 meters, is a place where the mining headquarters of the Besshi Copper Mine was once situated, and a modern mountainous city where thousands of people lived during its peak once existed. Today, heavy red brick storage and substation ruins towering along the rugged mountainside remain as if swallowed by deep green nature, and its mystical, ephemeral appearance earns it the moniker "Machu Picchu of the East," attracting tourists from worldwide. The giant stone walls and stairs of ruins floating in the mist present an...

Ehime
Sightseeing
Nature
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Minetopia Besshi

Minetopia Besshi

Minetopia Besshi in Niihama City is an experiential tourism theme park where history and entertainment merge, utilizing the site of the "Besshi Copper Mine," which once boasted one of the world's premier production volumes and strongly supported Japan's modernization. Taking the sightseeing mine railway to the area reproducing the shafts of the time, visitors can enjoy learning about the mysterious earth and the harsh history of the miners through realistic figures, dioramas, and full-scale "gold panning experiences." The premises also feature substantial hot spring facilities utilizing industrial heritage, restaurants, and indoor play equipment for children. Surrounded by rich great nature,...

Ehime
Sightseeing
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Iwayaji Temple

Jigenji Temple (commonly known as "Iwayaji Temple"), located in the rugged mountainous area of Kumakogen Town, is the 45th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and a sacred mountain sanctuary where divine spirits are said to reside. The temple grounds, hidden against the face of towering giant rocks, wrap visitors in an overwhelming solemnity and mystical silence the moment they step inside. Holy sites where natural formations and faith merge spread throughout, such as the wooden "Seriwari Zenjo" where Kobo Daishi Kukai is said to have practiced, and the Hokke Sennin Cave carved into a cliff depression. The long...

Ehime
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Onogahara

Onogahara, located in the western part of the Shikoku Karst, is an idyllic and beautiful alpine pasture area spreading at an altitude of about 1,000 to 1,400 meters. Within the characteristic karst terrain where white limestone unusual rocks are scattered across grasslands, the scenery of countless cattle being leisurely grazed radiates a very peaceful, nostalgic beauty reminiscent of "Switzerland in Japan." Exquisite homemade cheese, rich milk pudding, and soft-serve ice cream made using pure spring water welling up from beech primeval forests are immensely popular among domestic and international travelers. Blown by refreshing alpine breezes that make you completely forget...

Ehime
Nature
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Village of Stone Walls

Village of Stone Walls

The "Sotodomari District" in the Seika area of Ainan Town is a National Important Cultural Landscape termed the "Village of Stone Walls," where private houses line a steep slope in steps, enclosed by heavy stone walls overlooking the beautiful Uwa Sea. Hand-constructed tightly by ancestors who stacked natural stones one by one from the late Edo period to protect homes from typhoons, fierce winter seasonal winds, and sea breezes, its magnificent sense of unity and powerful scenery won the highest award at the "Beautiful Japanese Villages Contest." Walking the narrow paths of intertwined stone walls allows you to hear the...

Ehime
Sightseeing
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Nametoko Gorge

The "Nametoko Gorge," spreading upstream of the Meguro River—a tributary of the Shimanto River—is one of Japan's premier canyon beauties with untouched great nature remaining, located within the rugged Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park. Smooth riverbeds of single giant rocks have been carved out over long years, and the elegant flow of pure water is truly an artwork created by nature. The biggest highlight is the "Yukiwa Falls," selected among Japan's top 100 waterfalls, where water gracefully slides down a massive rock face. In recent years, it has become famous as a mecca for "canyoning," a full-scale canyon activity highly popular worldwide,...

Ehime
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Explore by City

Discover hidden charms in each city and town through our visual map.

Ainan Town

Ainan Town, located at the southernmost tip of Ehime Prefecture, is a premier ocean resort in Shikoku facing the grand Pacific Ocean and the beautiful rias coastline of the Uwa Sea, where you can enjoy dynamic ocean blessings with all five senses. The vast sea with outstanding transparency is designated as the "Uwa Sea Marine Park," serving as a mecca for diving and snorkeling in Japan where colorful coral reefs and tropical fish live in colonies, fascinating marine activity lovers worldwide. Along the coast, odd rocks carved by rough waves and the ruggedly beautiful precipices of "Cape Komo" continue, with...

Ehime
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Nature
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Winter

Kihoku Town

Matsuno Town (※Kihoku Town), located in the southern part of Ehime Prefecture on the border with Kochi Prefecture, is the only municipality in Japan with the character for "Oni" (demon/ogre) in its name, serving as an attractive town deeply retaining the rustic air of Japan's Satoyama, wrapped in rich deep mountains and pure stream blessings. Standing proudly as the town's symbol at the roadside station is a giant, highly realistic demon monument named "Oniomar," serving as a highly impactful popular photo spot for domestic and international travelers. Brand rice nurtured by pure water welling up from rugged mountains and specialty...

Ehime
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Nature
Spring
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Winter

Ikata Town

Ikata Town, located on the "Sadamisaki Peninsula" stretching slenderly to the westernmost tip of Shikoku, is a coastal town charming for its dynamic landscapes where you can look out at two different beautiful seas—the Uwa Sea and the Seto Inland Sea—all at once. From the "Sadamisaki Melody Line," a drive course running along the ridge at the center of the peninsula, an grand panorama opens up featuring a grand combination of the blue sea and giant white windmills standing tightly, fascinating international drive lovers and cyclists. The pure white, Taisho-period lighthouse standing at the absolute tip of the peninsula, the...

Ehime
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Nature
Spring
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Winter

Iyo City

Iyo City, surrounded by the calm Seto Inland Sea and rich mountains, is a beautiful city spreading with idyllic island times and rustic coastal scenes of Japan. Housing the world-famous unstaffed station "Shimonoda Station" on the JR Yosan Line, very many photographers and travelers from home and abroad gather seeking its spectacular romance where the blue Seto Inland Sea spreads straight before the platform, and the sea and sky dye in a crimson gradation at dusk. The city also features Nakayama Town, famous as the "Village of Chestnuts," allowing you to enjoy large-grained sweet branded chestnuts in autumn. With thriving...

Ehime
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Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Saijo City

Saijo City, spreading at the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi, is a beautiful city where rich nature and faith breathe, known worldwide as the "Water Capital" where premier pure water from western Japan's highest peak self-spurts throughout the town. Wide groundwater spots termed "Uchinuki" are scattered, and walking through the city allows you to taste incredibly transparent, cold pure water for free at any time, deeply healing your heart with its pure waterscapes. It is also a climbing base for Mt. Ishizuchi, revered since ancient times as a sacred site of strict mountain faith, drawing adventure-loving international hikers. The city also...

Ehime
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Niihama City

Niihama City, located in the eastern part of Ehime Prefecture, is a powerful city where industrial romance and rich nature merge, deeply breathing the history of the "Besshi Copper Mine" which once boasted one of the world's premier copper production volumes and powerfully supported the development of Japan's modern industries. Sequestered in the mountains is the Tonaru District, a globally popular hidden secret place earning the moniker "Machu Picchu of the East" due to its heavy red brick ruins towering along rugged cliffs, and its mystical ruins beauty completely overwhelms visiting travelers. Additionally, the "Niihama Taiko Festival" held every October...

Ehime
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Nature
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Yawatahama City

Yawatahama City

Yawatahama City, located at the western gateway of Shikoku, possesses a fine natural harbor and is a lively coastal port town that has flourished since ancient times as a base for fishing and trading with Kyushu. At the "Yawatahama Minatto," a roadside station boasting one of the largest scales in Shikoku, fresh seafood landed every morning aligns tightly, with gourmet experiences to taste exquisite local fish right on the spot being immensely popular among international tourists. Furthermore, Yawatahama stands as a sacred place for one of Japan's premier "mikan" citrus fruits, where fruits raised while basking in sunlight on beautiful...

Ehime
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Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Uwajima City

Uwajima City, located in the southern part of Ehime Prefecture, is a charm-filled port town facing the Uwa Sea, where bullfighting, pearl cultivation, and a historic samurai culture deeply live. The town's symbol, "Uwajima Castle," is one of the "12 Existing Original Tenshu" retaining its appearance unchanged from the Edo period, and its sophisticated wooden architectural beauty is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Furthermore, it is a treasure trove of gastronomy represented by traditional "Uwajima Tai-meshi"—where fresh sea bream sashimi is entangled in special sauce and raw egg to be placed atop white rice—highly praised by international food...

Ehime
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Matsuno Town

Matsuno Town, located in the southern part of Ehime Prefecture on the border with Kochi Prefecture, is a beautiful town praised as the "Kingdom of Forests," with deep forests occupying about 80% of the town. Housing the "Nametoko Gorge," which boasts one of Japan's premier canyon beauties, the world-class canyoning and hiking experienced within its untouched, primitive nature fascinate international travelers seeking adventures. Additionally, numerous river fish inhabit the pure streams flowing through the town, and an idyllic Satoyama landscape spreads throughout. Being able to bathe your whole body in the negative ions of great nature and deeply refresh within...

Ehime
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Spring
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Imabari City

Located in the northeastern part of Ehime Prefecture, "Imabari City" is world-famous as the production land of "Imabari Towels," boasting the world's highest quality inものづくり craftsmanship, and is the gateway on the Shikoku side of the Shimanami Kaido. "Imabari Castle," built by Todo Takatora and known as one of Japan's top three water castles, stands as the town's symbol, conveying to this day the ocean romance of the past when seawater was drawn into the moat and military vessels passed through. It is also immensely popular among travelers as a sacred place for high-level local gourmet foods, such as "Imabari...

Ehime
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Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tobe Town

Tobe Town, adjacent to the southern side of Matsuyama City, is a pottery town known worldwide as the home of "Tobe-yaki," a unique pottery boasting a history of over 240 years and designated as a National Traditional Craft. Characterized by beautiful indigo hand-painted patterns applied over white porcelain, Tobe-yaki features a unique thickness and sturdiness, widely loved in Japan and abroad. Walking the town allows you to fully experience the emotions of a craftsman's town, with chimneys of old kilns and the stylish "Pottery Slope" embedded with pottery shards. At the "Tobe-yaki Traditional Industry Hall" and many kilns, you can...

Ehime
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Spring
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Toon City

Toon City, located adjacent to the eastern side of Matsuyama City, is a beautiful city with rich great nature and idyllic rural landscapes, receiving the blessings of the magnificent Shikoku Mountains and the pure Shigenobu River. It houses the "Botchan Theater," a world-class launching base for mountain performing arts, known as a cultural city where you can enjoy authentic musicals year-round. Furthermore, the city is dotted with famous waterfalls that spray cold mist, such as "Shirai Falls" and "Karakai Falls," and the spectacular views of fantastic "ice falls" where the entire waterfall completely freezes in winter fascinate domestic and international...

Ehime
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Spring
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Matsuyama City

Matsuyama City, the prefectural capital of Ehime Prefecture, possesses the largest population in Shikoku, and is a lively tourism city where a rich history and culture continuing from ancient times comfortably merge with urban convenience. In the center stands the grand "Matsuyama Castle," one of the 12 Existing Original Tenshu, and at its foot spreads "Dogo Onsen," a famous ancient名湯 boasting 3,000 years of history. It is also famous as the stage for Natsume Soseki's novel "Botchan," with the retro "Botchan Train" running through the town creating a nostalgic landscape that adds to its charm. High-level gourmet spots where you...

Ehime
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kamijima Town

Kamijima Town, consisting of 25 islands floating in the northeastern part of the Seto Inland Sea, is a hideaway-like island area where time flows leisurely precisely because it is not connected by large bridges. Among them, the cycling road called "Yumeshima Kaido" features no traffic lights and very light traffic, gathering attention from international travelers as a premier local course where you can ride stress-free while listening to the calm waves of the Seto Inland Sea. Walking the islands reveals nostalgic, rustic fishing village landscapes, warm interactions with local people, and the rich scent of citrus fruits tickling your senses....

Ehime
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Uchiko Town

Located southwest of Matsuyama City, Uchiko Town is a mountain town filled with historical atmosphere that built vast wealth through the manufacturing of "wax (mokuro)" and "washi (Japanese paper)" from the Edo to Meiji periods. The "Yokaichi-Gokoku Townscape," stretching for about 600 meters, is designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and its gorgeous merchant mansions with yellow plaster earthen walls and heavy grand-walled structures convey former prosperity to this day. The Taisho-period theater "Uchikaza" remains active today, allowing visitors to feel the breath of Japanese traditional performing arts up close. With substantial experiences like...

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Ozu City

Ozu City, praised as the "Little Kyoto of Iyo," is an emotion-rich castle town where old history lives alongside the flow of the pristine Hijikawa River. "Ozu Castle," fully reconstructed in wood, stands proudly as the town's symbol, and its "Castle Stay" overnight experience has gathered worldwide attention for allowing guests to taste the luxury of being selected as a real castle lord. Additionally, the Meiji-period Sukiya-style masterpiece architecture "Garyu Sanso Villa" features a stunning garden utilizing natural scenery as a borrowed landscape and a hermitage floating over a cliff, allowing visitors to touch traditional aesthetics. It is a city...

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Ehime Prefecture

Ehime Prefecture

Located in the northwestern part of Shikoku, Ehime Prefecture is a tourist destination blessed with the calm Seto Inland Sea and the majestic Shikoku Mountains, where rich nature and deep history breathe. Stotted with spots full of historical romance, it features Dogo Onsen, said to be Japan's oldest hot spring, and Matsuyama and Uwajima Castles, which convey their Edo-period appearance to this day. Additionally, the Shimanami Kaido, leading to Hiroshima Prefecture, serves as a world-class cycling mecca, attracting many travelers from Japan and abroad to enjoy rides alongside beautiful island views. The culinary charms are also endless, including specialty citrus...

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